Housing is now the biggest problem facing Spain in the eyes of its residents. In 2026, 54% name it as one of their two main worries, up from 42% last year. That puts it ahead of healthcare (35%) and the political situation (33%).
The findings come from the third Barómetro de Vivienda y Dignidad (Housing and Dignity Barometer), presented at the Madrid Press Association by the General Council of Technical Architecture of Spain (CGATE) and the polling firm GAD3.
Wanting to move, but unable to
Four in ten Spaniards are considering buying or renting a home within the next five years. Most, however, feel unable to do so, citing:
- financial or job-related difficulties (41%)
- a lack of suitable properties (32%)
- difficulty securing financing (31%)
Being stuck in the wrong home also takes a personal and family toll. Among those who cannot move for financial reasons, 38% feel insecure about their personal or family stability, 13% have put off having children, and 12% have postponed or abandoned plans to start a family.
Among 18-to-29-year-olds, 65% needed help to leave the family home, and in more than half of those cases the help came in the form of money from relatives.
Poor-quality housing
The condition of homes is another source of concern. More than half of respondents (53%) report at least one problem with living conditions at home. The most common are:
- excessive cold or heat caused by poor insulation (26%)
- noise (18%)
- damp (16%)
One in four people who need to make improvements cannot afford them.
Second-hand homes
On the resale market, 38% believe a “Technical Guarantee Certificate” would improve the market, and 57% support banning the sale of homes with an unfavourable technical rating.
Renting in Spain
A third of tenants find the requirements for accessing a rental difficult. That figure rises to 53% among those who spend more than half of their income on rent.
What people want
Asked what would best guarantee decent housing, respondents pointed mainly to:
- more affordable public rental housing (25%)
- limits on rental prices (23%)
- lower taxes (20%)
- releasing more land for development (16%)
What this means if you’re moving to Spain or already live there
- Expect competition and tight supply. With a third of respondents citing a lack of suitable housing, newcomers may find that good rentals go quickly, particularly in big cities and popular coastal areas.
- Landlord requirements can be demanding. Many tenants say rental access criteria are hard to meet. Foreign residents, who may lack a Spanish employment history or local guarantors, should be prepared with proof of income, references and, if possible, a deposit or bank guarantee.
- Check the property’s condition carefully. Poor insulation, noise and damp are widespread. Ask about the energy rating, and view properties in different seasons or at different times of day if you can.
- Policy may change. Rent controls, public housing schemes and tax changes are all being debated, so it is worth checking the current rules in your region before signing a contract, as housing policy varies across Spain’s autonomous communities.
